Seasoned Blessings

Read: Matthew 5:13-16 “What are you doing, Auntie Laura?” Deb clambered onto the stool for a better look at the lemon her aunt was grating. “You said you’d make blueberry muffins…but you’re putting in lemon peel?” Deb grimaced. “It’s my secret ingredient,” replied Aunt Laura, tapping strands of lemon skin into the batter. Deb’s grimace remained stamped on her face. “But no one eats lemon peels.” Aunt Laura chuckled. “No, not right off the fruit.” She measured the salt, saying, “No one eats salt from a teaspoon either.” Deb giggled. “That would be gross!” Aunt Laura whisked the batter. “The lemon rind and the salt are both seasonings that add flavor so the muffins will taste better.” “I don’t understand how that works,” said Deb. She leaned her arms on the counter. “I also don’t understand what Jesus meant about people being the salt of the earth.” “People can act like salt!” replied Aunt Laura, wiping her hands on her apron. “As followers of Jesus, we can trust Him to help us blend His truth and love into what we say and what we do.” She scooped batter into the muffin tins. “If we do that, then we’re adding the extra ingredient of faith to our words and actions. In a way, we’re ‘seasoning’ them with God’s goodness.” “I get it!” exclaimed Deb. “If I say and do things that show I have faith in Jesus, then I’m adding flavor like salt does.” She hopped off the stool to open the oven door for Auntie Laura. “But how do I know if I’m doing it right?” “That’s easy,” said her aunt, sliding the muffin tray into the oven. “When your words and actions line up with what God says in the Bible and the kindness and love Jesus has shown us, you leave a trail of blessings wherever you go!” “I want to be a blessing,” said Deb. She headed to the sink and picked up a dishrag. She wiped away drops of spilled batter from the counter. “Does that add some flavor to your day?” asked Deb with a grin. Aunt Laura hugged her and said, “Now that’s a blessing I can savor.” –Elena Dee How about you? Do your words and actions reveal your faith in Jesus? Do you “season” your day with conversations and acts that reflect the love He has shown you? Trust Him to guide you in what you say and what you do so others can see His truth, love, and goodness in your life. Can you think of some people you want to help? Show others your faith and be a blessing to them! Today’s key verse: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6 (NIV) Today’s key thought: Be a blessing